Eye Care Questions
These are the questions we get asked most often. If yours isn’t here, get in touch and we’ll answer it.
How often do I need my eyes examined?
For most people, every one to two years. It depends on the health of your eyes and on your general health. If you have diabetes, hypertension, glaucoma or macular degeneration, you’ll likely need to be seen more often. We’ll tell you what interval makes sense for you at your exam.
What is the difference between a glasses prescription and a contact lens prescription?
They’re two different things, and for the same patient the numbers can look quite different.
A spectacle prescription comes out of a routine well-vision or comprehensive exam, and it specifies the power of your eyeglasses. A contact lens prescription can only be written after a contact lens evaluation, or fitting, which is a separate specialized service. It specifies the brand of lens, the base curve, the diameter, the power and any special instructions.
An eyeglass prescription is normally valid for two years; a contact lens prescription is valid for one. Under U.S. law, buying contact lenses requires a valid contact lens prescription written by a qualified eye care practitioner.
How old do I have to be to get LASIK?
We recommend waiting until after 21, or until your prescription has stabilized, whichever comes later. There’s no point correcting a prescription that’s still moving.
How old does my child have to be for contact lenses?
There’s no set age. It comes down to the individual: how responsible they are, how careful they are about hygiene, and whether they can insert and remove the lenses on their own. That’s a judgement we make with you at the fitting rather than off a birth date.
Still have a question?
Call us on (843) 796-1155, or book an appointment and ask in person.